CONCERNED residents are fighting plans for a solar panel farm earmarked for green belt land at Lytchett Matravers.

The farm, proposed by power company Camborne Energy, is comprised of three sites, ranging from 13.7 to 16.7 hectares. But it is the smallest of the three sites – the Newton Farm North site – that has caused the most consternation among villagers.

Campaigner Phil Jones, of Eddy Green Road, says neighbours are angry about the Newton Farm North site because it is overlooked by a number of properties and is recognised for its “particular landscape quality.”

Mr Jones, who also believes the solar farm could damage local wildlife, said: “If you stick up almost 40 acres of glass panels in that field it is obviously going to affect the view.

“I’m not against renewable energy, I think it is the way forward. But as we live in an area of outstanding beauty it seems a shame to plonk down all these glass panels. There is a lot of roof space that could be used.”

Camborne Energy insists steps will be taken to protect habitats for wildlife. The company also says land could be returned to agricultural use when the solar panel farm reaches the end of its 21 year lifetime.

The other two sites are at Newton Farm South and Race Farm.

Landowner and farmer Clare Lees told the Daily Echo: “As organic farmers we are really proud of the opportunity to do this.

“Historically farms have always produced food and fuel. So by replacing burning wood, cutting maize and cutting turf for bio-fuels – which is what these fields do – is just a modern twist on fuel production.”

Mrs Lees says currently both of the Newton Farm fields are used for growing maize in the production of bio-fuels.

The scheme is likely to be considered by district planners later this year and, if approved, installation could start by the end of spring.

Last week plans for one of the UK’s biggest solar energy farms – a sprawling 48 hectare site on the outskirts of Christchurch – were approved by councillors.